Somehow, that didn't help, since she also said she had already bought it.

At some point, I'd be telling her about the wonderful charity I'd be donating to in her children's names for their Christmas present.

If that were my sister, I'd be hoping that my mother wouldn't pay for the gift either.

The thing about this is, I'm sure there are probably very religious Jews out there who refuse to shop at places with specific Christmas decorations. Ditto hardcore anti-religious atheists. The AFA is the same breed of folks, they're just bigger because of the larger Christian contingent in the country, plus the sad, sad fact that too many "Christian" organizations (though certainly not all, thank, um, God) in America are annoyingly encouraging of sheeplike do-what-I-say-and-don't-think-about-it behavior.

It's up to Target to decide whether they feel more comfortable scaring away the fundamentalist Christians or projecting an image of we-love-Jesus-ONLY. They chose to go with the former, and now they're reaping the benefits of that decision. It's the same decision I would make, so yay Target I guess, but the AFA people can spend their money wherever they want. I don't agree with their reasoning, but I also can't bring myself to care. As far as I know, Disney never gave in to their boycott, and it didn't hurt them much, so I'm sure Target can withstand.

The thing about this is, I'm sure there are probably very religious Jews out there who refuse to shop at places with specific Christmas decorations. Ditto hardcore anti-religious atheists. The AFA is the same breed of folks

No, they're a large lobby organization. There's a major difference between individuals making individual choices, and a group like the AFA soliciting boycotts from their members.

Target's real problem is that both sides of the cultural wars consider them a, well, target. With pharmacists being able to not fill prescriptions on ideological objections on one side and the Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas battle on the other, Target isn't winning.

Target isn't winning.

There's a lot of that going around in this country.

Target isn't winning.

Honestly, I doubt either issue will impact their bottom line all that much, as long as they can maintain their image of "Less evil than Wal-Mart."

If that were my sister, I'd be hoping that my mother wouldn't pay for the gift either.

Oh, I am, I am. I know Mom will, and that if I tell her not to it will make Christmas even more unpleasant than it will otherwise, but I am hoping, and I will make it clear that I am not going to help out.

I like Cashmere's idea, especially since Mom and Dad have nothing they want, so a charitable contribution might be a good thing for them.

as long as they can maintain their image of "Less evil than Wal-Mart."

Which is why I'll probably continue to shop at Target as the "discount variety goods near home" store. Though I really prefer independents, or at least local chains, over big national chains.

Good news! I only have five more work days in this work week.

Do I really have to go?